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It has been four years since the Van Rees family travelled to Greece and served at ARC, the Athens Refugee Centre, but as a result this family has looked at life in Canada a little differently ever since. What they experienced there is something that would stay with them for the rest of their lives.
"Sometimes Mom and I would go into the bathroom and have a little cry," said Laura (18), referring to the emotional impact serving at ARC had on both of them at that time.
ARC, feeds about 600 refugees per day, 3 days a week. Usually the meal consists of feta cheese, tomatoes, olives and pitas.
Visiting teams, such as the Van Rees family, take care of the food preparation so that full-time staff can have time to build relationships with people.
In addition to preparing and serving food, they sorted clothes, cleaned at the ARC, and played with young children.
Greece is usually the first country in Europe that refugees enter. Once on Greek soil, refugees apply for "refugee status". Applying for refugee status is a 4-5 year process and 99% are rejected. Greeks feel overwhelmed by the volume of people claiming refugee status. One in three people living in Greece is a refugee.
"We met a family with five children who walked from Afghanistan to Greece," Betty Anne (48) retold. "It took months. Plus, the father carried his disabled daughter on his back."
"These people are no different than we are," said Josh (20). "They leave [their home country] because they have no choice. They are forced to leave. Most are running for their lives or fearing death!"
The Van Rees family agreed that their short-term mission trip to Greece was a real eye-opener that has had a profound impact on them. As a result, they returned to Canada and became involved with the RIDE for Refugees, forming a team that same year and every year since.
In 2007, their RIDE team of 10 raised $12,000. Betty Anne rode 50 km.
"I've seen the look in their eyes and they have no hope. Participating in the RIDE is one way of showing that somebody cares," Laura said.
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